The last eruptive event at Mt. Vesuvius occurred in 1944 AD, ending a cycle of continuous
eruptive activity started with the sub-plinian event of 1631 AD. The aim of this research is i) to
model the thermal evolution of the volcanic system from 1631 AD up to the present and ii) to
investigate the possible process leading the volcano to the current state of quiescence. A finiteelement
software is employed to solve the time-dependent energy equation and obtain the thermal
field in the volcanic edifice and the surrounding medium. Volcanological, petrological and
geophysical constraints are used to define the crustal structure beneath the volcanic edifice, the
magma supply system active since 1631 AD, and the physico-chemical conditions of magma.
Thermodynamic properties of magma and wall rocks have been evaluated from well-established
thermo-chemical compilations and data from the literature. It is shown that heat transfer due to
magma degassing is required in addition to the heat conduction in order to obtain transient depthtemperature
fields consistent with geochemical observations, high crustal magnetization, and rigid
behavior of the shallow crust as indicated by geophysical data. Surface data of carbon dioxide soil
flux coming out from the Mt. Vesuvius crater are taken to constrain such an additional heat flux. The
agreement between modeled and measured temperatures at the crater since 1944 AD proves the
consistency of the model. It is concluded that the present state of quiescence of Mt. Vesuvius is
mostly a consequence of the absence of magma supply from the deep reservoir into the shallower
system. This allows the cooling of residual magma left within the volcanic conduit and the transition
from continuous eruptive activity to the condition of conduit obstruction. In this scenario, the
hydrothermal system may have developed subsequent to the cooling of the magma within the
conduit. Our findings are a direct consequence of the high concentration of CO2 in the most mafic
Vesuvian magmas: the low solubility of CO2, with respect to H2O, enables a high mass flux of
carbon dioxide through the volcanic edifice. The results of this study are relevant for hazard
assessment at Vesuvius and indicate directions for further investigation, such as the role of the
hydrothermal system on the thermal energy budget of the volcanic system and its relationships with
fluids released by crustal structures likely to host the magmatic reservoir. In general, the role of the
high concentration of carbon dioxide in magmas should be more questioned and investigated when
studying the behavior of volcanic systems, particularly in South Italy volcanoes.